Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park

In the bustling city of Stamford, Connecticut, even the smallest green spaces hold significant value, especially when they honor a local hero. Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park, though a "tiny corner lot," stands as a poignant tribute to a remarkable individual who profoundly impacted the community. This unassuming park, located at 1966 Bedford St, Stamford, CT, serves as a daily reminder of the extraordinary bravery and quiet dignity of one of Stamford's own: Homer Lee Wise, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor in World War II.

This isn't a park designed for grand recreational activities or sprawling nature walks. Instead, it's a place for reflection, a moment of pause amidst the urban rhythm. It embodies the essence of a commemorative space, offering a peaceful corner for residents to appreciate both the natural elements and the profound human story it represents. Visitors will find comfort under the shade of its oak trees and can easily access the inspiring narrative of Homer Lee Wise, whose tale is well-documented online and cherished by those in Stamford who remember him.

The park’s significance extends beyond its modest size. It acts as a focal point for local pride and a tangible link to Stamford's history of service and sacrifice. As reviews indicate, "Much has been written about him, so his story is easy to access on line. Short version: he married a woman from Stamford, went off to fight in WWII, and performed major heroic acts. Then he came back to Stamford to lead what by many accounts was quiet, normal life. Many still live here who knew him. All agree he was a nice guy as well as an unassuming hero." This personal connection to a local hero makes Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park a uniquely meaningful spot in the heart of Stamford.

Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park is centrally located at 1966 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905, USA. This prominent address places it within a well-established and accessible area of Stamford, making it very convenient for local residents and those visiting the city. Bedford Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Stamford, known for its mix of residential properties, local businesses, and community spaces.

Given its urban location, the park is highly accessible by various means. For residents living in the surrounding neighborhoods, walking to the park is likely the easiest and most common way to visit. Its position on a "tiny corner lot" means it's easily visible and reachable on foot from nearby residential areas.

For those traveling by car, parking on surrounding streets might be available, though visitors should always be mindful of local parking regulations and signs, as dedicated parking for such a small park may be limited. However, its urban setting generally means a higher density of on-street parking options compared to more rural parks.

Stamford's public transportation network also serves the area. Local bus routes likely run along Bedford Street or nearby major arteries, providing a convenient option for those relying on public transit. The Stamford Transportation Center, a hub for Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak, is also a relatively short distance away, making the park accessible via a quick taxi, rideshare, or connecting bus service from the train station.

The park's location in the heart of Stamford integrates it into the daily lives of residents, offering an immediate and easy-to-reach green space. Its urban setting means it’s not an isolated retreat but rather a part of the vibrant community, making it a truly local amenity for reflection and quiet enjoyment.

Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park, as a small commemorative green space, offers services primarily focused on providing a peaceful and contemplative environment for local residents. It is designed for passive recreation and serves as a public tribute, rather than a full-service recreational park.

• Shaded Green Space: The park's most prominent service is providing a natural, shaded area for respite. As noted by reviewers, it has "oak trees (hence shade, and squirrels)," offering a cool and comfortable spot, particularly on sunny days.
• Seating for Relaxation: "There are a couple of benches" available, allowing visitors to sit, rest, read, or simply observe their surroundings. This makes it a convenient spot for a quick break or a quiet moment.
• Memorial Tribute: A key service of the park is its role as a memorial. It features a "small memorial to Homer Lee Wise, a Congressional Medal of Honor receiptient and local hero." This provides a tangible point of remembrance and honor for a significant figure in Stamford's history.
• Dog-Friendly Amenity: The park is noted for being "usually has free dog bags," indicating it's a dog-friendly space. This service caters to local pet owners, making it a convenient spot for a quick walk with their canine companions.
• Public Access and Accessibility: As a public park, it offers free and open access to all residents. Its corner lot location makes it highly visible and easily accessible for those living and walking in the immediate neighborhood.
• Nature Observation (Informal): The presence of oak trees and squirrels provides an opportunity for informal nature observation, connecting visitors with a touch of local wildlife in an urban setting.

It is important to understand that Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park does not offer traditional park amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, restrooms, or extensive walking trails. Its services are designed to meet the need for a quiet, reflective, and accessible green space within the urban fabric, honoring a local hero while providing a simple, pleasant environment for the community. For more comprehensive recreational facilities, residents would typically visit larger municipal parks in Stamford.

Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park, despite its small footprint, possesses several unique features and highlights that give it significant value and charm for the Stamford community. These elements combine to make it a distinct and cherished local spot.

• Dedicated Memorial to a Local Hero: The most significant highlight is its direct dedication to Homer Lee Wise, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and a World War II veteran who lived in Stamford. This serves as a constant, visible tribute to his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, fostering local pride and remembrance. The park itself is a "beautiful little park named after Medal of Honor recipient Homer Lee Wise."
• Historical Significance: The park is more than just a green space; it's a living piece of Stamford's history. It honors a man whose story is easily accessible online and who was known by many current residents as an "unassuming hero" and a "nice guy." This personal connection to a local figure makes the park profoundly meaningful.
• Shaded Respite: The presence of "oak trees" provides ample natural shade, making it a comfortable and inviting spot, especially during warmer months. This feature enhances its appeal as a place for quiet relaxation and a break from the sun.
• Convenient Seating: The "couple of benches" within the park offer practical seating for visitors, encouraging them to pause, rest, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings. This amenity enhances the park's function as a brief escape.
• Dog-Friendly Amenities: The provision of "free dog bags" is a thoughtful highlight for local pet owners. It signifies a welcoming environment for dogs and encourages responsible pet ownership, making the park a convenient stop for neighborhood walks.
• "Tiny Corner Lot" Charm: While some might see its size as a limitation, its nature as a "tiny corner lot" contributes to its intimate and accessible charm. It seamlessly blends into the urban fabric, providing an immediate green spot in a bustling area, rather than requiring a dedicated trip.
• Quiet and Reflective Ambiance: The park’s character as a modest memorial means it typically offers a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. It’s a place for peaceful moments, allowing visitors to find a sense of calm amidst city life.

These features collectively highlight Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park's unique role in Stamford – not as a large recreational hub, but as a deeply meaningful, accessible, and peaceful community space that honors a significant piece of local history and heroism.

As a public park managed by the City of Stamford, Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park does not operate with commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense of a business. Its primary value proposition is the free and open access to a public green space that serves as a tribute to a local hero.

However, the City of Stamford's Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees its public parks including Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park, provides ongoing value and "offers" to the community in several ways:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "promotion" is that there is no entrance fee to access Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park. This makes it an entirely free resource for all residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor space, relaxation, and fresh air, making it an incredibly accessible amenity for daily use.
• Routine Maintenance and Upkeep: While not a promotional deal, the city's commitment to the regular maintenance of its parks, including grass cutting, litter removal, and general upkeep, is a continuous "service" provided to the community. This ensures the park remains clean, safe, and pleasant for public use.
• Historical and Educational Value: The park itself serves as a continuous "offer" of historical education. By honoring a Medal of Honor recipient, it provides a tangible link to local history and encourages community members to learn about Homer Lee Wise's heroic story, which is "easy to access on line." This educational value is provided freely to all visitors.
• Community Events and Commemorations: While specific events may not be regularly held at this particular small park, the City of Stamford Parks & Recreation Department and local veterans' organizations may use or promote the park during specific commemorative days (like Veterans Day or Memorial Day) to encourage community reflection on local heroes. Any such events would be community-wide "offers" announced through city channels.
• Enhancement of Local Quality of Life: The very presence of a public green space, especially one with such a meaningful dedication, serves as an "offer" by enhancing the overall quality of life in the immediate neighborhood. It provides aesthetic benefits, offers a natural respite, and contributes to the civic pride, all without direct cost to the user.

For specific information regarding any city-wide recreational programs, park rules, or general updates about public spaces in Stamford, it is always advisable to consult the official website of the City of Stamford Parks & Recreation Department. They are the authoritative source for all park-related inquiries and announcements that might indirectly benefit users of Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park.

For inquiries regarding Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park, including general park information, maintenance concerns, or details about Stamford's broader municipal park system, the appropriate contact would be the City of Stamford's Parks & Recreation Department.

Address:

Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park

1966 Bedford St,

Stamford, CT 06905, USA

Phone:

While a direct phone number specific to Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park is unlikely, the general contact number for the City of Stamford Parks & Recreation Department would be the most suitable for inquiries. Based on public records, a common contact number for Stamford Parks & Recreation is:

(203) 977-5214

Mobile Phone:

The mobile contact would typically be the same main number for the City of Stamford Parks & Recreation Department:

+1 203-977-5214

For the most accurate and current information regarding park rules, hours of operation (public parks are generally dawn to dusk unless otherwise noted), or any city-wide recreational programs that might be available, it is always advisable to visit the official website of the City of Stamford Parks & Recreation Department. They are the authoritative source for all public park information within Stamford.

For locals in Stamford, Connecticut, Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park is a uniquely suitable and meaningful urban green space. Its primary appeal for residents lies in its convenient accessibility, its tranquil atmosphere, and most importantly, its profound connection to local history and heroism.

Firstly, its prime location on Bedford Street makes it incredibly accessible for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. For those living and working nearby, it offers an immediate and effortless opportunity to step outside, take a break, and enjoy a moment of fresh air. This convenience, combined with its modest size, means it’s perfect for a quick, unplanned visit—a luxury in a busy city environment. The "oak trees" provide welcome shade, making it a comfortable spot even on sunny days, and the presence of "free dog bags" is a practical amenity for local pet owners, enhancing its utility for daily neighborhood strolls.

Secondly, beyond its practical benefits, the park serves as a daily reminder of Stamford's rich heritage and the extraordinary courage of its citizens. As a memorial to Homer Lee Wise, a local Medal of Honor recipient, it provides a tangible link to a significant piece of World War II history. The fact that "Many still live here who knew him" underscores the personal connection many residents have to this hero, making the park a place of genuine local pride and remembrance. It's a place where one can pause, reflect on sacrifice, and appreciate the unassuming heroism of a neighbor who "came back to Stamford to lead what by many accounts was quiet, normal life." This inherent historical and civic value elevates the park beyond a simple green space.

Finally, the park offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. While a "tiny corner lot," it provides benches and a quiet ambiance, inviting contemplation and relaxation. It’s a perfect spot for a solitary moment of reflection or a brief, peaceful interlude in a busy day. This tranquil setting, combined with its historical significance, makes Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park an indispensable local asset, enriching the quality of life for Stamford residents by providing both a green oasis and a profound connection to their community’s enduring spirit and valor.

Homer Lee Wise Memorial Park

1966 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905, USA